Kenny Phillips, a 41-game starter for the Giants from 2008 to 2012, was released by the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, a source told about the move confirms to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. The transaction was first reported by ProFootballTalk.

A Pro Bowl-caliber safety early in his career, Phillips has lost a few steps because of chronic knee injuries. He missed the Eagles' past two preseason games with a quadriceps issue.

With no money guaranteed on an incentive-laden one-year contract, the Eagles opted to cut ties with Phillips. It's a telling move considering the struggles of safeties Patrick Chung, Nate Allen and rookie Earl Wolff in preseason action.

The Giants did attempt to re-sign Phillips before the start of free agency. The money wasn't right, likely because the team had Brown ready to take over, and Phillips wanted to gauge his market value.

The major hurdle to a reunion is Phillips' ability to pass a physical.